Pilsen Historical Underground

An offbeat curiosity, and a refreshing change from the parade of museums and churches that dot the Czech Republic, the Pilsen Historical Underground offers visitors a peek into an ancient network of tunnels, cellars, storage rooms, pipes, and sewers, which all together total up to almost 20 km―one of the biggest such underground complexes not only in Czech, but in all of Central Europe. Not only that, but the system goes back all the way to the founding of the city itself in 1295, giving it a wealth of archaeological artefacts that are now up for display. The tour takes you through ice cellars, where ice was stored and kept beer fermentation barrels cool, past dozens of water wells, into passageways used by soldiers and militia in times of war, and the lower levels of a 16th century water tower, featuring centuries-old pumps and pipes that fed water into fountains in the main square. Ceramics and vessels used in the underground back in the day are also on display. Appropriately enough for Pilsen, entrance is through the Brewery museum, and if the history and offbeat quirk of the Underground isn’t enough to entice you, the admission fee also includes a coupon for a free beer!